The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many workplaces globally to implement flexible working arrangements (or flexi-work) to ensure business continuity.
With cases easing and movement restrictions loosening up, the trend overseas has been to keep – at least partially – these flexi-work arrangements, though this has not been the case here in the Sultanate.
For employers, before asking the staff to fully return to the office and before removing flexi-work, I would like for them to ask themselves one simple question: Why?
A multitude of studies have shown that flexi-work is mutually beneficial for both the employer and the employee. For employers, major advantages include attracting talent, retaining talent, better productivity and improved efficiency. For the employees, the perks are better work-life balance and mental health.
Aren’t these advantages worth pursuing? Granted, there may be some kinks to iron out, and some jobs may be more suited to flexi-work than others. But it doesn’t mean we should not try to implement it where we can.
Work-life is evolving around the world; it is improving around the world. Let’s not get left behind.
The Average Employee